Treatment of Kyphosis Arising Secondary to Laminectomy and Irradiation in the Pediatric Population

Orthopedics. 2021 Jul-Aug;44(4):e563-e569. doi: 10.3928/01477447-20210618-18. Epub 2021 Jul 1.

Abstract

The effects of radiation therapy and laminectomy on the growing spine have been well documented. Due to compromised bone quality after irradiation, spinal fusion has a high failure rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate treatment of post-laminectomy and post-irradiation kyphosis in children using a vascularized rib graft (VRG) to augment anterior spinal fusion and posterior spinal fusion. Data were collected retrospectively from electronic medical records for all patients treated at a single institution for post-laminectomy and post-irradiation kyphosis who underwent VRG to augment spinal fusions done between December 2003 and August 2015. Five patients were included in the analysis. Imaging studies were analyzed by 2 senior pediatric orthopedic surgeons and a pediatric orthopedic surgery fellow. The outcome for all 5 patients who underwent VRG were considered successful at most recent clinical follow-up. Success was defined as the following: complete fusion evident through computed tomography scan, no implant failure, and no kyphosis progression. Follow-up ranged from 21 to 63 months. One patient experienced 2 complications: esophageal tear and deep infection. Spinal fusion with a VRG is a viable treatment option for children who have developed kyphosis following laminectomy and irradiation. On long-term follow-up, there has been no evidence of progression of kyphosis for patients who were treated with VRG in either the primary fusion procedure or in subsequent revision procedures. A VRG provides a non-irradiated, vascularized bone graft to bridge the irradiated segments, increasing the stability of the spine. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(4):e563-e569.].

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Kyphosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Kyphosis* / etiology
  • Kyphosis* / surgery
  • Laminectomy* / adverse effects
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Spinal Fusion* / adverse effects
  • Spine / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome